Ahold Sees Sales, Margin Pressures

AMSTERDAM Ahold here said its profits and sales were down in the second quarter, in part because of the timing of the Easter holiday this year and because of unfavorable exchange rates. The company also said it is exploring expansion into Germany with its Dutch convenience store banner. In the U.S., operating income was down 22.6% vs. year-ago levels, to $209 million, which included several one-time

AMSTERDAM — Ahold here said its profits and sales were down in the second quarter, in part because of the timing of the Easter holiday this year and because of unfavorable exchange rates. The company also said it is exploring expansion into Germany with its Dutch convenience store banner.